Expertise & Technology
Our facility is open to all!
Next to our VIB researchers, we offer our services to academic and industrial users. Feel free to contact us and find out how we can help you with all things flow or FACS related.
Flow cytometry
Flow cytometry is a technique that allows researchers to study cells at single cell level at unsurpassed speed. Since its development in the fifties, the technology evolved and advanced a lot but the fundamentals and basic idea behind it, have never changed. On a flow cytometer, cells in suspension are injected in a flow cell and get hydrodynamically focused. Once the cells are aligned, they one-by-one pass laser(s) and get analyzed. Multiple parameters (morphologic and fluorescence) are measured and this at event rates of up to 10.000 cells per seconds or even more.
Flow cytometry makes it possible to characterize millions of cells in short time frames, giving you robust statistical analysis.
Our core has a whole range of analyzers available. Contact us to find out which one best fits your needs.
FACS
If you want to have the option to sort subsets of cells out of your sample, then you need to use a Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorter or in short a FACS. With a FACS sorter, which is basically a flow cytometer analyzer with extra sorting capabilities, you can divert specific cell populations from a heterogeneous sample into separate tubes (2ml, 5ml, 15ml tubes) or into single wells of 96- or 384-well plates. The VIB Flow Core has different FACS devices available to cover all your needs. From very basic 1 colour, 1-way sorting to advanced 30 colours, 6-way sorting or plate sorting, we’ve got you covered!
Imaging flow cytometry
Seeing is believing. With our Amnis ImageStreamX MkII Imaging Flow Cytometer you have the ability to combine the speed, sensitivity, and phenotyping abilities of flow cytometry with detailed images. This combination opens up new avenues and makes new applications possible.
New technologies
Together with the VIB Tech Watch team, we are always looking ahead and scouting for new technologies on the horizon. A great example is the acquisition of the new LevitasBio device. This device uses a magnetic field and microfluidic chip technology to enrich specific cell subsets without labelling.
Training
We take user training seriously! Our core offers different types of training to the users. We have a monthly theoretical flow introduction training, organize personal hands-on sessions on all our devices, and regularly set up technical seminars in collaboration with vendors.